Top Vitamins for Eye Health

It might surprise you to learn that some changes to your diet can actually help you avoid some common eye problems. There are many vitamins for eye health out there, so adding certain foods to your diet or taking a supplement can actually help. Dr. Young H. Choi has experience helping patients with all types of vision problems, but you can do your part to lessen your risk of developing serious eye issues. If you want your eyes to stay healthier for longer, here are some vitamins that you should add more of to your diet.

Vitamin C

This common antioxidant can help you protect your vision by helping you absorb more nutrients. Many adults actually have a vitamin C deficiency, which can increase the risk of developing issues like cataracts. If you want to protect your eye health, add some more citrus fruit to your diet. Next time you have a cold, know that the glass of orange juice you're drinking is pulling double duty by helping you fight it off while keeping your eyes healthy.

Vitamin E

This vitamin protects from macular degeneration and other eye issues. This can be found in nuts, salmon, and some other foods, so add more of them to your diet or take a supplement that offers vitamin E.

Vitamin A

Adding more vitamin A to your diet can help you prevent night blindness. This antioxidant can also help prevent loss of vision caused by other conditions, like cataracts. It can also slow the advance of neuropathy, or nerve damage to your eyes. You'll find a lot of vitamin A in carrots and green leafy veggies like spinach. You'll also find it in fish, bell peppers, and some other healthy foods.

Lutein

This is actually one of the most well known and effective vitamins for eye health, and it has the added benefit of helping your skin as well. It can lower the risk of macular degeneration, so add more orange vegetables, green veggies, and egg yolks to your diet. It's one of the most effective ways to protect your eyes.

Zinc

Zinc actually helps your body process a wide range of nutrients, which makes it critical for anyone who wants to protect their eye health. Adding more of the other vitamins we mentioned to your diet won't help much if your body doesn't absorb all of them! You can find this crucial nutrient in meat, fish, and nuts.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. They help slow down the effects of aging and protect tissue, which means that they can help you keep your eyes in better shape for longer. They can also protect from damage that's due to diabetes, so this nutrient is especially important for any patient living with that ailment.

These vitamins can protect your eye tissue by limiting the damage caused by free radicals, lowering cataract risk, and even by reducing sensitivity to light. By adding more of them to your diet, you can keep your eyes healthier for the long haul.